August 08, 2012 - The notebooks are stacked high in boxes, crates are full of crayons and folders. It's time to get back to school again.

Do you remember when you would go back to school after summer vacation and share how you spent your vacation?

Well, in the good spirit of going back to school and the fall athletic season officially starting this week I will be the first to share.

I will begin differently as I am not taking a vacation until November.

During this summer I spent my days off getting muddy and having paint thrown at me.

Most recently I participated in the Warrior Dash. I'm not the person to do a 5k mixed with obstacles. So when some people shook their heads and said "it's not the Tough Mudder," I wasn't concerned. My main goal was to cross the finish line, and I did.

But I still won't do the Tough Mudder, which is twice as long. I would do the Warrior Dash again and work on cutting down my time. Plus, the friend who sucked me into the world of Warrior Dash is already getting us to sign up for next July. What about it - want to join us?

I also participated in the Color Run in Ypsilanti. Notice a pattern with participated. It's because like Warrior Dash, I did not run in this event either. It was another 5k but without obstacles yet more colorful.

You start out in white and hit four different color spots along the 3.1 miles. At each one volunteers douse you with dry paint. Then, at the end a huge color party.

I am definitely doing it next year.

By the way, if you participated in the Color Run and have some photos, send them our way. We have a color edition coming up.

I am feeling a little more athletic. A tiny bit. I think it is the most recent plan through Nuview Nutrition. It makes my gutsy, energetic, ready to take on the world.

If you read my last column about the nose having all the fun, I will give you an update. I have lost 34 pounds and a combination of 20 inches - so yes, I am feeling gutsy if not lighter.

But not gutsy enough for Tough Mudder.

Wendi graduated from the University of Michigan-Flint with a degree in communications. She wrote for the Michigan Times college paper and Grand Blanc View before joining The Clarkston News in October 2007.